Mount Catherine — Friday, Jul. 5, 2024

Gorgeous, quiet trail with amazing payoffs.

I had never hiked or heard of this trail despite decades in the area and continue to be amazed when I share it with friends that it's so little known!

Perhaps the slightly worse than average forest service road (at least for the area) scares people away but it was 90% doable in any vehicle with a lot of care which would add just a short walk. In any suv it was passable with ease.

The bugs at the Trailhead were expected and annoying, but it felt fine while walking.

The sign at the Trailhead was missing but it's the only one on the right as you head up at the designated spot on Google maps and based on mileage on the description so it wasn't hard to find.

Lots of rocks early on so I had to be a little careful with my ankles. The trail is mostly shaded, necessary on this 90 degree day!

After gaining the ridge, I didn't notice rainier for a while but the views were still getting really good. The elevation doesn't really taper as much as I expected.

Once right below the summit it can be a little tricky to find the right boot path - I certainly don't recommend trying anything with the steel cable, that looked dodgy.

I believe I went up the right most path and did have to pull on a branch or two to steady myself putting away my poles for the final bit and the best way down felt like sitting and scooting.

Once at the top, the views are nearly unparalleled for hikes of this distance and difficulty. Between complete views of Rainier, all the lovely Snoqualmie Pass peaks and the constantly flirting butterflies of various sizes, it was easy to pass an hour on top, helped by the fact that no one joined me during that time until I was just heading down.

Reapply sunscreen and especially bug spray before the top though as I thought I was OK in my shirt but ended up with no less than 50 bites as a reward for lots of lounging and lots of photography where I was trying to stay still and capture butterflies with the mountain in the background.

Make sure to find and sign the trail registry under a tree.

I was extra surprised as I heard the bugs more than I saw them and I don't think they were all mosquitos. Regardless, the bites healed and I'm left wanting to go back to Mount Catherine as soon as I can.

Will switch out some pictures as I process them.